Recognition of prior learning for ILM qualifications: what counts as RPL?

Recognition of prior learning, often shortened to RPL, can be helpful for experienced managers. It can also be misunderstood. RPL does not mean "I have done this job, so I do not need evidence." It means previous learning or experience may be considered against the qualification requirements.

Quick answer

RPL may apply where your existing evidence is authentic, relevant, sufficient and accepted under the relevant centre and awarding-body procedures. You should ask VQ Solutions Ltd before relying on previous work.

What can RPL include?

RPL may involve evidence from previous employment, training, projects, qualifications, professional development or workplace responsibilities. The key question is not whether the experience happened. The key question is whether it demonstrates the current assessment criteria.

Examples might include:

• A project report from a previous role.
• A development record showing relevant learning.
• A witness statement confirming leadership responsibility.
• A professional discussion about prior experience.
• A reflective account connecting previous activity to the current criteria.

What RPL is not

RPL is not an automatic exemption from assessment. It is not a shortcut around authenticity. It is not a way to submit work that belongs to someone else. It is also not a guarantee that old evidence will be accepted.

Evidence may be too old, too vague, not clearly yours, not mapped to the current criterion, or not sufficient for the qualification level.

Questions to ask before relying on RPL

1. Which criterion do I think this prior evidence meets?
2. Can I prove this was my work or my contribution?
3. Is the evidence current enough to show competence?
4. Does it match the required qualification level?
5. Does it need explanation, witness support or professional discussion?
6. What further evidence might still be needed?

RPL for Level 3 and Level 5

At Level 3, RPL might involve prior team-leading activity, communication, performance support or problem solving. At Level 5, prior evidence usually needs to show broader operational leadership, decision-making, planning, improvement or stakeholder influence.

The higher the level, the more important it becomes to show depth of responsibility and quality of reflection.

How to keep RPL transparent

Keep a clear record of what evidence was considered, which criteria it maps to, what was accepted and what still needs to be produced. This protects the learner, assessor and centre quality process.

The How it works page explains how evidence, feedback and progress records fit together in the portfolio journey.

Bottom line

RPL can save time where previous evidence genuinely meets the requirement. It should be discussed early, documented clearly and treated as part of assessment, not a replacement for it.